Cartier Adorable Diamond Sapphire Gold Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Adorable 18k gold Cartier turtle brooch, set with sapphire eyes and approx. 1.10ctw G/VS diamonds
20th Century French Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Cartier Adorable Diamond Sapphire Gold Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Adorable 18k gold Cartier turtle brooch, set with sapphire eyes and approx. 1.10ctw G/VS diamonds
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Cartier Ring Tortue Turtle Motif Rare Item 9P Diamond 750 Rose Gold #54 US7
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand Cartier Turtle Motif Mind Condition 18K Rose gold Main Stone Diamond Diamond 0.383 cts
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$21,375Sale Price|25% Off
H 0.4 in W 1.22 in L 2.01 in
CARTIER Paris 1950 Vintage Agate Turtle Brooch-Pendant In 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A turtle shaped brooch designed by Cartier. This is a gorgeous convertible pendant-brooch created
Agate, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Ruby Turtle Brooch in Yellow Gold, circa 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Roma, RM
characteristic of Cartier’s late 20th-century jewelry. Crafted in yellow gold, the turtle’s domed shell is
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Cartier Brooch Turtle Clip in 18K 750‰ Yellow Gold and Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
CARTIER Lapel clip brooch in 18K 750‰ yellow gold, representing a turtle whose carapace in grating
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$14,130Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.19 in L 1.78 in
Cartier Vintage Sapphire Turtle Brooch Pin 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1960
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier vintage sapphire turtle brooch pin 18 karat yellow gold, circa 1960. The brooch depicts
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950's Cartier Ruby Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a turtle with articulated platinum limbs Shell is highly domed and comprised
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Tortue Shaped Watch from 1940's with a Custom Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
was inspired by a design from Cartier. The original tortue, or turtle watch was first launched by
Unavailable
W 0.96 in D 0.56 in L 1.44 in
Cartier Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Turquoise Sapphire Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
numbered, Comes in original box. Weight - 13grammes. circa 1960's. Overall, the Cartier turtle brooch is a
Sapphire, Turquoise
Vintage Cartier Turtle with Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold circa 1960 Brooches
By Cartier
Located in Viana do Castelo, PT
A Vintage Diamonds and Sapphires Brooch by Cartier in 18 Karatt yellow gold modelled as a turtle
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Turtle Diamond Fossil Jasper Large Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond, Fossil Jasper and Emerald Large Turtle Pin Brooch by Cartier. This
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Cartier Turtle Diamond Moonstone Emerald Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond, Moonstone and Emerald Turtle Pin Brooch by Cartier. This brooch comes with
Diamond, Emerald, Moonstone, 18k Gold
Cartier Turtle Chalcedony Emerald Diamond White Gold Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold 6 carat Diamond, Chalcedony and Emerald Turtle Pin Brooch by Cartier. This brooch
Chalcedony, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Cartier Hardstone Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A collectible Cartier turtle brooch in 18 karat gold and hardstone.
Yellow Gold
Cartier Turtle Lapel Pin Chalcedony Tie Tac 18k Rose Gold Estate COA Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish estate Cartier lapel pin crafted in 18k rose gold (circa 2012). Chalcedony measures 10mm
Chalcedony, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Turtle Lapel Pin Grey Moonstone Tie Tac 18k Rose Gold Estate Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish estate Cartier lapel pin crafted in 18k rose gold (circa 2012). Grey moonstone measures
Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Chalcedony Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, chalcedony and diamond brooch. Signed Cartier Paris. The brooch is
Cartier Chalcedony Turtle Diamond Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold chalcedony brooch by Cartier. The brooch is set in a design of a turtle with a
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Cartier Chalcedony Gold Turtle Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A chic Turtle pin by Cartier, in calcedony and gold. Circa 1950.
Chalcedony, 18k Gold
Cartier Gold and Lapis Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, lapis lazuli and diamond brooch in the form of a turtle. Cartier Paris
Cartier Hardstone Diamond Gold Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
The turtle is our oldest living animal ancestor with their fossils dating at over 200 million years
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Ladies Morganite Diamond Turtle Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Boutique item one of a kind Magnificent turtle watch featuring a natural Pink morganite gem stone
Morganite
Cartier Paris Ruby Gold Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Masterfully created and elegantly realized from Cartier. Designed with a textured gold body and
Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Paris Ruby Gold Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Masterfully created and elegantly realized from Cartier. Designed with a textured gold body and
Ruby, 18k Gold
CARTIER whimsical amethyst, diamond, & emerald turtle brooch.
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, amethyst, diamond and emerald turtle brooch. Cartier. Circa 1960. The
18k Gold
Cartier Chalcedony Diamond Gold Turtle Pin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond, Chalcedony and Emerald Turtle Pin Brooch by Cartier. This brooch comes with
Chalcedony, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Cartier Paris Coral, Emerald, Sapphire Turtle Pin
By Cartier
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
This exquisite work by Cartier features coral discs set with cabochon emeralds, and is further
Coral, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier 18ct White Gold Diamond Chalcedony Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Magnificent Cartier 18ct White Gold Diamond Chalcedony and Emerald Articulated Turtle Brooch, this
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Turquoise Yellow Gold Turtle Tie Lapel Pin
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Turquoise Turtle Tie Lapel Pin by Cartier. With 3 Turquoise stones. Details
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Cartier Paris White Chalcedony Diamond Gold Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold White Chalcedony & Diamond Turtle Brooch Pin by Cartier. With Large oval white
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Paris Diamond Sapphire Gold Platinum Turtle Brooch Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Paris turtle brooch, set in 18k gold and platinum, adorned with sapphire cabochon eyes and
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
Cartier Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Turquoise Sapphire Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite Cartier brooch, designed as a turtle from the 1950s, is in excellent condition. The
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k Diamond Turtle Pendant 18K Rose Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301236 Comes With Full Set (Pouch + Card) Date 2010 Model B7061700 Serial Number PP**** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond Weight 3.9 g Length 41.5 cm Condition Excellent _____...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Cartier Limited Edition Chalcedony and Diamond Turtle Charm .95 Carat
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Limited Edition white gold Turtle charm by Cartier. The charm features a cabochon cut chalcedony
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold
H 0.88 in W 0.75 in L 1.25 in
Cartier Diamond Chalcedony 18 Karat White Gold Retractable Turtle Charm Limited
By Cartier
Located in Simpsonville, SC
whimsical charm of a turtle, showcasing Cartier's mastery of craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to
Chalcedony, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold & Sapphire Turtle Clip / Brooch Retro, circa 1950s
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold & Sapphire Turtle Clip / Brooch Retro Fully Hallmarked Here is your chance
Sapphire, Yellow Gold
1950's Cartier Ruby Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a turtle with articulated platinum limbs Shell is highly domed and comprised
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier, 18 Karat Gold Turtle Brooch with Natural Coral and Blue Sapphires
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
18k gold turtle brooch with natural coral and blue sapphires. Designer: Cartier Made in France
Coral, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold
W 0.99 in L 1.54 in
Cartier Lapis Lazuli, Diamond and Sapphire Turtle Brooch Set in 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful Cartier lapis lazuli, diamond and sapphire turtle brooch set in 18k yellow gold and
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, G...
Cartier Ring Tortue Turtle Motif Rare Item 9P Diamond 750 Rose Gold #54 US7
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand Cartier Turtle Motif Mind Condition 18K Rose gold Main Stone Diamond Diamond 0.383 cts
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Ring Tortue Turtle Motif Rare Item 9P Diamond 750 Rose Gold #54 US7
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand Cartier Turtle Motif Mind Condition 18K Rose gold Main Stone Diamond Diamond 0.383 cts
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Midcentury Sterling Silver Turtle Box
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
Fine and rare sterling silver box in likeness of a turtle, by Cartier circa 1950-60s. The shell of
Sterling Silver
18k Gold Cartier Sapphire Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
This charming and whimsical brooch is a turtle, set with a checkerboard of round faceted, medium to
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Turquoise Yellow Gold Turtle Tie Lapel Pin
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Turquoise Turtle Tie Lapel Pin by Cartier. With 3 Turquoise stones. Details
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond Chalcedony and 18 Karat White Gold Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
Exquisite Whimsy: Cartier Diamond Chalcedony and 18 Karat White Gold Turtle Brooch This enchanting
Chalcedony, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Blue Enamel Turtle Pin #18204
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Blue Enamel Turtle Pin This gorgeous turtle pin by designer Cartier was
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Rare Vintage Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Enamel Turtle Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
This Cartier pendant, dating back to the 1940s, is a notable representation of the brand's
Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Turtle Sterling Silver Cufflinks with Box
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Nice pair of Cartier silver cufflinks in the shape of a turtle. no longer produced With box Really
Sapphire
1960s Cartier Sapphire Gold Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Turtle brooch by Cartier, a cabochon sapphire and sapphires, 18K gold. Circa 1960.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Sapphire Diamond Gold Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Paris, IDF
Yellow gold Cartier brooch "Turtle" set with brilliant-cut diamonds. Two cabochon sapphires are
White Diamond, 18k Gold
CARTIER Carnelian and gold turtle brooch
By Cartier
Located in Wynnewood, PA
set into carnelian disks that create the shell. The turtle has textured legs, head and cabochon ruby
Diamond, Carnelian, 18k Gold
CARTIER French 18k Gold & Diamond Turtle Clip
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Interesting Cartier & Co. 18k Gold & Diamond Turtle Clip
Diamond, 18k Gold
CARTIER PARIS Coral Diamond Gold Turtle Clip
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
CARTIER PARIS Coral Diamond Gold Turtle Clip. The body of the turtle is made of coral discs studded
Diamond
Gold and Coral Cartier Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Beautiful Cartier Turtle brooch. Made in france circa 1960. Gold 18K and Coral cabochons. Signed
Coral, 18k Gold
$10,800Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier France 18K Gold Diamond Rose Flowering Brooch and Earrings Set
By Cartier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An 18 karat gold and diamond rose flowering brooch and matching earrings created by Cartier of France. The set has a Florentine finish to the petals with 15 full cut diamonds in the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Gucci Double Hook 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Estate Gucci 18K yellow gold Double Hook band ring symbolizing Love, Commitment and Unity 20th Century The double hook motif represents the bond between two people making a commitmen...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier JUSTE UN CLOU BRACELET 16 Nail GRL727 18kt Yellow Gold AU750 AUTHENTIC
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
It's a small model Juste un Clou bracelet, classic, 18K Yellow gold . size 16 comes with box 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight 8.8 gm Used condition Authenticity and money back is guaran...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$30,000
Cartier Turquoise & Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Experience the exquisite beauty of this Cartier Turquoise and Diamond Ring, a captivating piece that showcases a stunning turquoise centerpiece framed by sparkling round cut diamonds...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Round Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed rounded gold band ring. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a cylindrical or round-edged form. Marked to the shank. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Da...
Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Kashmir Sapphire Engagement Ring IGI
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Kashmir Sapphire Engagement Ring - IGI. This beautiful art deco engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum top. T...
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Cartier Gold Necklace Draperie 10 Strand
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A spectacular Cartier Draperie 10 strand necklace crafted of 18k gold. This gold Cartier necklace carries fluidity and movement, inspired by the drape of soft fabric. It features ca...
Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co Twisted Knot Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold 5.4 Grams
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co, 18 karat yellow gold ring featuring a twisted knot motif weighing 5.4 Grams. Size 5
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Cover Open Link Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Very special item designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, this is a ropetwist gold and diamond open link bracelet watch. Designed with graduating twist rope segments whith the center section...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Double Pear Shape Sapphire and Diamond Ring, 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Double Pear Shape Sapphire and Diamond Ring made in 18K Yellow Gold. The total weight is 7.50 grams. Ring Size US 5.25. SKU: 505-MCEJJPL
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Diamond Papillion Butterfly 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Papillion Ruby & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace. A stunning pendant with unique butterfly design, typical of Van Cleef & Arpels. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Gold Enamel Cultured Pearl Diamond and Emerald Cat Tiger Clip Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The playful cat grasping one cultured pearl approximately 9.4 mm., its body applied with black enamel stripes, accented by 2 small round emerald eyes, decorated with a diamond-set co...
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Pearl Diamond Clip-On Earrings, France
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of Van Cleef & Arpels earrings set with pearls and diamonds. Each set with a pearl center surrounded by round diamonds, most with E-F color, VS clarity. Estimated w...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,587Sale Price|25% Off
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds And Lapis
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This is a very elegant cocktail ring, created in Paris France by the iconic jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1980. The ...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Mid-Century 5.40 CTW Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Engagement ring centers a prong set emerald cut diamond weighing 5.00 carats - D color with VS1 clarity Flanked by two bar set and well matched tapered baguette cut diamonds Weighin...
Diamond, Platinum
$9,000
H 0.84 in W 0.45 in L 1.12 in
Cartier Diamond and Onyx Gold Vintage Dog Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Stylish and finely detailed Mid Century Modern CARTIER Dog with revolving head Brooch Pin sporting a Diamond collar articulated Hand crafted in Platinum and set wi...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.